Health Notes

TO YOUR HEALTH

April 30, 1995|- JOE DONZELLI

Hernia

A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak part in the muscle that usually contains it. The term is most often used to describe the protrusion of the intestine through the abdominal wall. A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach protrudes through the diaphram into the chest.

Abdominal hernias are usually caused by a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall. They can, however, appear following surgery or after damage caused by lifting heavy objects, a substantial weight gain and in some cases, persistent coughing.

The first symptom of a hernia is a bulge in the abdominal wall and it may also be accompanied by abdominal discomfort. In some people, the protruding intestine can be pushed back into place through the abdominal wall.

Severe pain usually occurs when the hernia bulges out and cannot be replaced. If the blood supply to a twisted, "trapped" intestine is impaired (known as a strangulated hernia), emergency surgery is usually required because if left untreated, the bowel can become gangrenous.

The main way to diagnose a hernia is through a physical exam. If the hernia is causing only slight discomfort and is easily pushed back to its original position, a supportive garment (truss) may be recommended. Those hernias that are painful, strangulated and/or impossible to be pushed back into place are usually treated via surgery.

SOURCE: The American Medical Association's Encyclopedia of Medicine.

If you have any medical questions, consult your doctor before undertaking a course of treatment. Items should be typewritten on a full sheet of paper and submitted to To Your Health, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33301-2293.